In Falls Church, arson under Va. Code § 18.2-77 is a Class 4 felony carrying 2-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended. An Arson Lawyer Falls Church can challenge evidence of intent and origin.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, arson is defined as the malicious and willful burning of a dwelling house, church, or other building. Va. Code § 18.2-77 classifies arson of an occupied structure as a Class 4 felony. The prosecution must prove you intentionally set the fire, not just that a fire occurred. An arson charge defense lawyer Falls Church examines fire investigation reports for procedural errors.
For the official Virginia arson statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Falls Church court procedures, visit the Falls Church General District Court website.
Falls Church General District Court handles preliminary hearings for arson felonies. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must show probable cause that you set the fire. Fire investigators often rely on burn patterns and accelerant detection. A fire-related criminal charge lawyer Falls Church challenges these findings early.
- Step 1: Do not speak to investigators without counsel present. Anything you say becomes evidence.
- Step 2: Preserve all evidence of alibi, including phone records, GPS data, and witness statements.
- Step 3: Request a copy of the fire investigation report and lab analysis immediately.
- Step 4: Challenge the warrant if the search of your property lacked probable cause.
- Step 5: File motions to suppress any evidence obtained through defective procedures.
- Step 6: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a lesser charge if evidence is weak.
In Falls Church, arson of an occupied structure carries 2-10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of occupied structure | Class 4 felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | None specific | Permanent criminal record, loss of gun rights |
| Arson of unoccupied structure | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Up to $2,500 | None specific | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
In Falls Church, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location is 3 miles from Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue), accessible via Route 7 (Broad Street/Leesburg Pike) and I-495.
Looking for an Arson Lawyer Falls Church near Falls Church City Hall or the State Theatre? We serve all Falls Church neighborhoods.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Yes, arson is a felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-77.
Is arson a felony in Virginia?
Yes, arson of an occupied structure is a Class 4 felony carrying 2-10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
No, arson cannot be expunged if convicted. Only acquittals or dismissals qualify under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
Can arson charges be expunged in Falls Church?
No, Virginia law only allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi. A conviction for arson stays on your record permanently.
It depends. The court considers flight risk, criminal history, and community ties.
What is the bond for arson in Falls Church?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church General District Court.
Yes, arson cases are heard at Falls Church General District Court for preliminary hearings and Circuit Court for trials.
Do I need a lawyer for arson charges in Falls Church?
Yes, arson carries 2-10 years in prison and creates a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Falls Church GDC handles preliminary hearings; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for arson in Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles preliminary hearings for arson. Falls Church Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.